Continuing a tradition that brings students and community members together to pay tribute to those who have served our country, a Veterans Day celebration was held on Nov. 9 at Middleburgh Elementary School. Interim Principal Gloria Savino said, “Our ultimate goals are to honor our veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve and to provide students the opportunity to understand why we celebrate our veterans.”
Planning for the event has been many weeks in the works, with students learning about the meaning of Veterans Day, rehearsing songs, preparing readings, and creating artwork to adorn the hallways. Some students also made poppies to hand to veterans as they arrived.
Festivities began with a breakfast, during which students and the veterans enjoyed time together. After breakfast, the American Legion Color Guard escorted the veterans to the ceremony.
Patriotic music was woven into the ceremony. MCS senior Quin Smith sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” grades K and 1 sang “Thank You to Our Veterans,” grades 2 and 3 sang “On Veterans Day,” and grades 4, 5, and 6 sang “God Bless the USA.” A group of student instrumentalists from MCS Jr./Sr. also performed. Several students from Mrs. Anderson’s class presented the POW/MIA table. Many students gave readings.
About 55 veterans representing the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard attended. A slide presentation included additional veterans who could not attend.
Although the event officially ended with the Retiring of the Colors, it presented a continuing opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about the meaning of Veterans Day.
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